I am truly honored to serve as the first Chief Public Defender for Judicial District 22. After more than 30 years practicing law in this community, I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back and to build an office committed to excellence, accountability, and compassionate representation.
On October 2, 2026, Jason E. Ross was sworn in as the inaugural chief public defender for the 22nd Judicial District. Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Jason E. Ramey administered the oath in a ceremony at the Rockingham County Courthouse in Wentworth. Ross’s wife, Dionne Ross, and son Stephen Townsend stood with him.
The appointment of Chief Ross follows the establishment of a new Public Defender’s Office for Rockingham and Caswell counties by the North Carolina General Assembly’s 2026 Appropriations Act.
For more than 30 years, Ross has dedicated his legal career to the pursuit of justice and service to his community. A native of Washington, D.C., Ross moved to North Carolina for college in 1988. He earned his undergraduate degree from Johnson C. Smith University in 1992 and his Juris Doctor from North Carolina Central University School of Law in 1995.
Prior to the appointment as chief public defender, Ross was a criminal defense attorney with Ross & Perkins, PLLC in Rockingham County. From 1997-2001, he was an assistant district attorney. Earlier in his career, he worked for East Central Community Legal Services in Smithfield, North Carolina and prior to that, the District of Columbia Legal Aid.
“I’m most looking forward to building a strong team and creating an office that will make a lasting difference for our clients and our community. I want to build something that Rockingham and Caswell Counties can be proud of for years to come,” he said.
Ross expressed thanks to his family for their unwavering support. “I also want to thank the judges and attorneys of Judicial District 22 for their confidence in me, and everyone who has supported and encouraged me throughout my career. I’m also grateful to the community that has allowed me to serve for so many years. And I don’t take this opportunity or responsibility lightly.”